RAWALPINDI: The Nawaz Sharif Flyover at Khawaja Corporation on Adiala Road, two underpasses on Mall Road, and an underground pedestrian walkway are now in their final phase. These major infrastructure projects are expected to be inaugurated later this month.
According to the details, the Nawaz Sharif Flyover, built at a cost of Rs2.3 billion, was earlier scheduled for inauguration on June 3. However, it is now expected to be opened by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on June 30.
On the same day, she is also likely to inaugurate two underpasses on Mall Road — at Flashman Hotel Chowk and Mall Plaza Chowk — and the underground pedestrian walkway near AFIC. These projects are estimated to cost Rs4.388 billion and are also expected to be completed by the end of June.
Work is also expected to start soon on a new flyover and underpasses at the busy Kachehri Chowk, as well as new underpasses at Qasim Market, Race Course Chowk, and Charing Cross. Authorities plan to begin construction during the summer vacation period of schools and colleges to speed up the process.
The Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB) has been directed to shift all underground utility lines — including electricity, gas, water, and sewerage — to make way for the construction work.
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A large-scale project for the redesign and expansion of Kachehri Chowk has also been approved. It will include two flyovers and three underpasses and is expected to cost Rs8.5 billion. Funds have already been released by the Punjab government for this purpose.
According to officials, once these projects are complete — including the two flyovers and three underpasses at Kachehri Chowk and five underpasses on Mall Road and Peshawar Road — the entire route from Kachehri to Motorway Chowk will become a signal-free corridor.
It is important to mention that an underpass at Golra Mor has already been completed and is operational. All these projects are being funded by the Punjab government and are under the supervision of the Communications and Works (C&W) Department.
Meanwhile, the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) has launched a beautification project along Murree Road. This includes upgrading the condition of the Metro Bus pillars from Faizabad to Saddar at a cost of Rs160 million. The work is expected to be finished by the end of next month.
Speaking to private media, PHA Director General Ahmed Hassan Ranjha said there are 226 metro pillars between Saddar and Faizabad. Work on 22 of them has already been completed. He added that the stretch between Faizabad and Chandni Chowk will be upgraded by the end of June.
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He said the pillars are being refurbished using Karachi Sand, which helps them retain their clean look for many years. Warm lighting will also be installed to create a pleasant nighttime view.
Mr. Ranjha said the pillars were in poor condition and often used for advertisements. Now, all the visual clutter has been removed to improve the view for those entering Rawalpindi via Murree Road.
He also mentioned that green belts are being improved and that the entrance to Rawalpindi from Islamabad is being made more attractive. In the new financial year, the PHA will launch several new projects to make Rawalpindi greener and more beautiful.
These include beautifying the city’s main highway, Murree Road, upgrading all metro pillars, and displaying Quranic verses. A plan is also being prepared to install a monument on Rawal Road featuring Durood Sharif.
In addition, 75,000 saplings will be planted along the Rawalpindi Ring Road to promote greenery. The Gorakhpur Nursery will be expanded by more than 1,000 kanals, where thousands of new plants will be grown.
Several projects are also being planned in Murree to improve recreational facilities and beautify the area for tourists.
In Rawalpindi, the overall focus remains on improving the city’s appearance, offering better public spaces, and ensuring a clean and green environment for all residents.
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